Listeria

The listeria outbreak that prompted Blue Bell Creameries to recall their entire product line dates to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

After weeks of gradual recalls, the company recalled all its ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and other frozen treats sold in 23 states because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.

Listeria bacteria are especially sneaky because they can thrive in cold conditions that stop other bacteria.When Listeria bacteria get into a food processing factory, they can live there for years, sometimes contaminating food products.The bacteria that causes listeriosis, is commonly found in soil and water.